How much do family caregivers get paid in District of Columbia?
Around $3,600/month — and here is what moves that number.
Your pay is not a posted wage. It comes out of a care budget that District of Columbia sets from your relative's assessed needs, which is why two caregivers in the same town can be paid differently.
What District of Columbia pays family caregivers
$3,600/month
Your exact pay is set by the program and your care plan. We'll tell you your real number before you enroll.
Source: District of Columbia Medicaid program data · Updated September 2026
What sets your number
no home-care agency for self-directed services; a financial management services provider is required — GT Independence serves DC Services My Way as FMS and support broker (877-659-4500)
- Spouse can be paid?
- Not right now
- Parent paid for a child?
- Not right now
- Waitlist
- Some programs have no waitlist.
Where the money comes from
This is Medicaid money, not a grant and not a charity. In District of Columbia it runs through EPD Waiver — Services My Way, administered by DC Department of Health Care Finance (DHCF), Long Term Care Administration, 202-442-5988; Dept. of Aging and Community Living (DACL) 202-724-5626
91,000 people in District of Columbia — 13% of the state — are 65 or older, spread across 1 counties. The programs on this page exist because caring for them at home costs the state far less than a nursing home does.
From first call to first paycheck
- 2 minutes
Check eligibility
Five questions tell you which District of Columbia program fits, and roughly what it pays.
- usually weeks
Medicaid + care assessment
District of Columbia confirms your relative qualifies and how much help they need. The hours in that assessment become your paid hours.
- after approval
Enrol and hire
Your relative enrols, then names you as their caregiver. Background check, paperwork, done.
- every pay period
Get paid
You log the hours you already work and are paid for them, like any job.
How to start in District of Columbia: A doctor or nurse completes the EPD Waiver Prescription Order Form, submitted to Liberty Healthcare, which schedules the functional assessment and assigns a worker to help complete the application; DHCF Long Term Care Administration (202-442-5988) administers enrollment.
District of Columbia pay questions, answered honestly
How much do family caregivers get paid in District of Columbia?
Figures reported for District of Columbia land around $3,600/month, but that is a range, not a promise. Your rate is set inside your relative's care plan and budget. We tell you your real number before you enroll.
What decides my exact hourly rate?
Three things: how much help your relative is assessed as needing, which District of Columbia program they are on, and who administers the payroll. no home-care agency for self-directed services; a financial management services provider is required — GT Independence serves DC Services My Way as FMS and support broker (877-659-4500)
How many hours a week can I be paid for?
Hours come from the care assessment, not from how many you actually work. That is the single biggest thing families get wrong — an honest assessment is worth more than any negotiation later. We help you prepare for it.
Is family caregiver pay taxable?
Usually yes — it is normally treated as wages, with taxes withheld. One exception is worth asking about: the IRS difficulty-of-care rule can make some payments tax-free when the caregiver lives with the person receiving care.
Can I be paid to care for my spouse in District of Columbia?
no — 'a spouse or other legally responsible relative is excluded' from being a paid caregiver under Services My Way There is a full page on this: see spousal caregiver pay in District of Columbia.
Can a parent be paid for caring for their own child in District of Columbia?
no — EPD Waiver serves people 65+ or persons with disabilities 18+; minors are not in this waiver
Is there a waitlist in District of Columbia?
not an entitlement — enrollment slots limited and a waitlist can form when full
How do I apply in District of Columbia?
A doctor or nurse completes the EPD Waiver Prescription Order Form, submitted to Liberty Healthcare, which schedules the functional assessment and assigns a worker to help complete the application; DHCF Long Term Care Administration (202-442-5988) administers enrollment.
Married and caring for your husband or wife? Read the spouse rules for District of Columbia →
Sources: dhcf.dc.gov · medicaidplanningassistance.org · gtindependence.com · Population figures from the U.S. Census Bureau · Updated September 2026. Rates change — always confirm with the program.
Where most District of Columbia caregivers are
Counties with the most residents aged 65 and older. The rules are the same everywhere in District of Columbia — pick yours for the local picture.
Find out in 2 minutes
Answer 5 easy questions. See your programs and pay before you share any contact info.